Saving Grace

It seems the clouds still make their way,
and some still pray before they sleep,
but I can't seem to reason why
we cannot triumph o're defeat.

So little time the watchmen cries,
to accept God's grace and then forgive.
Alas, for choices made this day,
will set my heart to die or live.

The storm that's rising in the east
makes me hope for grace to be.
I could not be so sure of grace,
save that it sings inside of me.


copyright 9/30/2014

Hot Or Cold?

Our christian experience can be compared to a pot of hot water. The devil sees our fire for Jesus as a threat. He then proceeds to drop ice cubes [trouble] into the pot of fluid power [the Holy Spirit] in order to cool it down or turn it cold. The devil also knows that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so he attempts to get us to focus on the ice cubes. We will see that the temperature of the power of the Holy Spirit will remain the same, and the ice cubes melt away as long as our focus is NOT on the ice cubes, but on the Son who keeps us steady.


copyright 9/27/2014

The Watchman Shouts

The enemy roams through the earth walking back and forth in it. (Job 1:7)

So skilled is he in his deceptions, so skilled in his attempts at distracting us and bringing confusion, that we become unaware of the danger right in front of us.

We must be ever vigilant and watchful. The guardian on the watch tower is shouting. Can you hear him over the din of earth’s noise,

enveloping the people?  Here and there and everywhere, chaos reigns while the watchman cries “Whoa, whoa, the storm is coming and we are not ready!”

There are so many voices calling us. How do we differentiate between what is truth and what is deception?

It is true that to study the counterfeit would only serve to confuse us more. To keep our eyes on Jesus is our only safeguard. It is then that the imitation becomes evident.

If it is according to what is revealed in Scripture; if tested against the life and teachings of our Father’s ways and character, and holds true against this standard, then and only then, do we know what is truth.

For He is TRUTH. 

Too many believe that all continues as if nothing has changed. Timothy's prophetic description of the last days could not be any more accurate than what we see today. Listen and see if you agree. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves; lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power." Wow, amazingly accurate, I’m afraid.

Can you honestly say that this world and all it’s inhabitants, this country, your and my life, is the same as it has been for centuries? Already the safeguards have been compromised. The moral walls have been breached; the consciences seared to the point of no remorse or regret.

STOP!

Our God is speaking. Listen to the evident warnings throughout the world. Nature tells us, rampant disease, wars and civil unrest, violence and hatred; burying people alive and beheading the innocent, are all warning us that Jesus is coming.

It is not just the physical world that demands our attention. Perhaps the greatest delusion lays in the spiritual realm. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)

My Jesus, give us eyes to see that not all who cry “Lord, Lord,” are counted among those you know or are sent by You. 

“Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you, away from me, you evildoers.'" Matthew 7:22, 23

To know God is to seek HIM . Not the things of God, but the person of God. The miracles of God that we long to perform in His name, must be by the directives of God alone and for no other reason, or it opens the door for the enemy to enter and deceive. 

If a group, a place or a person is offering to bestow upon you some blessing or the power of the Holy Spirit they have, that leads to uncontrollable body movements, screams and howls like the brute beasts, hysterical laughing, actions that mimic intoxication…Is there anything in Scripture that depicts this kind of behavior? Can you see Jesus doing this?  No doctrine, set of beliefs, or personage that does not meet what is found in Scripture or in the character and teachings of Christ must summarily be cast aside.

Our God is desperate to save us from what is coming on the earth. Now is not the time to stick our heads in the sand and pretend that nothing unusual is happening.

The people in Noah’s day were told, for 120 years, what was coming but not one of them took him seriously until the door was forever shut and large raindrops began to fall. There no longer was one day left to accept the invitation of a Savior or from knowing the one who offers life everlasting as a free gift. There could be no sadder tale than for the ones that end outside the ark of safety. 

To know Him, the only true God, is far greater than houses or lands, money, power or privilege. How empty are all these compared to knowing Christ! 

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”  (Philippians 3:7,8)

copyright 9/18/2014

Dear God

I wonder at the mighty strength that holds the galaxies within their never ending courses,

and marvel at your delicate touch as you caress unfolding fingers in a mother's womb.

Who are you, that you care so much for us that you visit us in clouds, and grass and sand?

You take your thoughts and make them into words that stir our hearts to seek you more.

Your ways are so diverse and complex. Enough for master minds to search, yet revealing to a child.

I would a clearer picture paint as I travel with you; to tell each one of who you really are.

Adversities tell of trial and tests, but you oh Lord, bring all to a everlasting place of rest.

For these and so much more I bow before your Majesty and throne to say, I love you.


copyright 9/10/2014

Music Box Of Life

The unpardonable sin must surely not be to hate God, but rather to be indifferent to Him. For you see, indifference carries no emotion. Which makes me question how can even God inspire indifference? 

Indifference is emotionless; love cannot live there.

At least with hate you have a starting point, but with indifference you have nothing but the very essence of emptiness.

On the road to getting acquainted with, and to ultimately know God, He takes us on our own individual travels as unique as the print on your finger. A journey that leads us to an expected end; a journey that leads us away from indifference and toward inner peace and joy.

Even if no desire is within to become a friend of Jesus you can take a chance and ask Him for that desire. He will not disappoint. I know He didn't disappoint me when I asked.

When that desire is birthed, you can not only approach the throne of God with boldness, but with great joy and eager anticipation. You will smile as you look for the next lesson to learn or the next task for today. You may be called to quiet the tongue, or to speak words of encouragement to a bruised soul.

Whatever lies in front of you squeeze every ounce of goodness from all that's there; from the fragrance of flower as well as the rain.

 As you lift the lid of the music box of life the melody you will experience will have no place for indifference...only fullness of joy! 


copyright 9/06/2014